Food and agribusiness
A land of opportunity
The Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s most dynamic locations for new food and agribusiness investment opportunities.
Located just over one hour’s drive from Brisbane, the region has easy access to ports, airports, major road networks and rail.
Demand from Asian markets for local niche artisan produce continues to grow, particularly with our continued free trade agreements which include Singapore, Korea, Japan, and China.
Why the Sunshine Coast?
The Sunshine Coast offers favourable sub-tropical climate, rich soils, clean water and some of the world’s highest food safety and security standards, ideal ingredients for innovators seeking investment opportunities in agribusiness and food.
A winning combination of location advantages, lower cost of doing business, economic resources and government support makes it a prime location for agribusiness in Australia, home to a growing number of food and agribusiness innovators and entrepreneurs.
Sun, soil and a subtropical climate
- Productive soils nurtured by a subtropical climate with high rainfall and more than 300 days of sunshine each year
- Recognised as one of Australia’s most pristine sustainable environments that regularly produces high quality product for national and international markets
- Strong innovation culture and an experienced agribusiness workforce
- Range of programs for companies wanting to export, including networking events, Sunshine Coast Export LinkedIn Group, workshops and introductions to export specialists
The Sunshine Coast is home to more than 900 agribusinesses producing a wide range of products, from seafood and strawberries to plant nurseries and dairy.
Other major commodities include poultry, cultivated turf, dairy milk, cattle and outdoor nurseries.
Areas of significant growth include strawberries, macadamias, pineapples and tomatoes.
The $796 million industry is being strengthened by the emerging opportunities and resilience of the Sunshine Coast processing sector, which contributes $390 million and provides valuable linkages to manufacturing, education, retail and tourism.
Opportunities
- Key capital investment projects are changing the face of the Sunshine Coast and paving the way for a stronger economy
- Build on the region’s reputation for both a clean environment and some of the world’s highest food safety and security standards
- Deliver higher value returns to producers and increase the range of healthy, smart and creative products from the region
- Tap into increased demand for food resources locally, nationally and globally including growth in demand for food grown locally and an expanding foodie culture
- Mooloolaba, famous for its wild caught prawns, is the largest wild caught swordfish and tuna port discerning big spenders.in Australia and home to the most sustainable Sashimi grade tuna in the world
- Enabling farmers to introduce new business activities to generate new income sources including intensive horticulture, agri-tourism and eco-toursim experiences
Industry connections
Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN)
The Sunshine Coast boasts Australia’s fastest growing food industry group, the Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN). FAN is a not-for-profit food and agribusiness community that supports collaboration and empowers members and industry to grow by accelerating innovation and driving trade locally and globally.
Research facility
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Maroochy Research Facility on the Sunshine Coast services Queensland’s and Australia’s nut, tropical and subtropical fruit industries.
It is a global leader in applied research, development and extension and staff work collaboratively with regional, state and international organisations and communities. The facility also services the greater South-East Queensland region as an administrative, managerial and regulatory hub.
Advanced Manufacturing Hub
The Turbine Precinct will provide Australia’s first purpose built, end-to-end food and beverage manufacturing and education precinct, unlocking growth, accelerating innovation and creating a blueprint for collaborative manufacturing.
Fast facts
- $925 million+ industry value
- 16.2% increase since 2019
- 900+ businesses
- 5000+ jobs
- Australia’s fastest growing food industry group: Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN)
- Strong focus on innovation
Star performer
Walker Seafoods
Walker Seafoods Australia is a Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified tuna company that supplies to some of the most prestigious restaurants in the country.
2021 State Winner, Delicious Produce Awards for MSC Certified Bigeye Tuna.
2019 and 2018 Gold Medals, Delicious Produce Awards for MSC Certified Swordfish.
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